Top tips for when you are creating a video storyboard

A video storyboard is the secret sauce behind every impactful video. It lies in the core of impactful videos and is the magic wand that brings your ideas to life, capturing the hearts of your audience.

Storyboarding isn’t just industry jargon; it’s the secret ingredient that enables you to craft mesmerising videos that resonate with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or venturing into the realm of video production, mastering storyboarding can skyrocket your creations. Let’s delve into the key insights that will help you harness the magic of storyboarding and revolutionise your video production.

What is a storyboard?

But first, what exactly is a storyboard? you might wonder. Think of it as a visual roadmap for your video concepts. Instead of using words, you use sketches to reveal what unfolds in each scene, introduce the characters, and bring everything together in perfect harmony.

Or think of storyboarding as a crystal ball, giving you a sneak peek of your finished video before it’s even filmed! Those intricate details that are hard to describe? Yep, you can lock them in with your storyboard.

Diving deeper into the world of storyboarding, let’s explore the intriguing array of storyboard types that add a touch of flair to your video production journey.

As explained in a previous blog, there are multiple types of storyboards. From traditional sketches that breathe life into your concepts, to animated canvases that infuse motion and excitement, each type brings a unique perspective to your creative process.

All types of storyboards

So, let’s take a closer look at these storytelling tools that shape your vision and transform it into captivating visual narratives.

1. Traditional Storyboard: Imagine doodling your vision on paper. This is the traditional storyboard. It’s a hands-on approach, where you sketch scenes freehand. This storyboard becomes your visual pitch, guiding your team and stakeholders through your creative vision.

2. Miniature Storyboard: Picture the traditional storyboard, but pocket-sized! The miniature storyboard condenses your ideas into a smaller canvas, about the size of a page. It’s like a snapshot of your video’s essence, easy to carry and share with others.

3. Animated Storyboard: Ready to add motion to your sketches? The animated storyboard is your canvas. Bring your scenes to life with movement, music, and even dialogue. It’s like a sneak peek into your video’s future, letting you experience it before the camera rolls.

4. Digital Storyboard: Embrace technology with the digital storyboard. Instead of traditional pen and paper, you use digital tools like Canva to create your sketches. This method offers flexibility and ease of editing, letting you refine your vision with a few clicks.

But why choose a specific type? Each has its own perks:

• Traditional: Perfect for presenting your creative vision to collaborators. The personal touch of hand-drawn sketches adds authenticity and warmth.
• Miniature: A quick way to capture your concept on a smaller scale. It’s ideal for sharing ideas in a compact format, like during brainstorming sessions.
• Animated: When your vision demands movement and emotion, an animated storyboard brings your scenes to life. It’s particularly useful for visualizing complex sequences.
• Digital: In a world of screens, a digital storyboard is easily shareable and editable. It’s your modern-day canvas for crafting ideas with precision. You can create it on Adobe, Canva, or even using Milanote.

Our 8 tips for storyboarding

Now, let’s delve into some insights that will empower you to improve your storyboarding and elevate your video production skills.

1. Define your goal:

Before diving into the creative process of storyboarding, it’s essential to establish a clear objective for your video. This objective serves as the guiding principle that steers every decision you make during the storyboard creation process. Ask yourself: What is the primary message I want to convey? What do I want my audience to feel or understand after watching the video?

Having a crystal-clear objective not only provides direction but also ensures coherence and effectiveness in your storytelling. It enables you to focus your efforts on delivering a concise and impactful message that resonates with your target audience. Without a defined goal, your storyboard may lack cohesion and fail to achieve its intended purpose.

It informs the selection of scenes, characters, visuals, and even the tone of your video. Whether you aim to educate, entertain, inspire, or persuade, clarifying your goal upfront empowers you to craft a narrative that effectively communicates your intended message.

Remember, not having a clear goal or having a built strategy is one of the 10 mistakes you need to avoid in video production. The more precise and focused your objective, the more successful your storyboard will be in engaging and captivating your audience. It’s the foundation upon which you build your entire storytelling framework, ensuring that every element serves a purpose in fulfilling your overarching goal.

2. Create an engaging story:

Storytelling lies at the heart of every compelling video. Beyond mere visuals and aesthetics, it’s the narrative arc that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. When crafting your video storyboard, think of it as an opportunity to spin a tale that resonates with your viewers on an emotional level.

Consider your video as a journey for your audience, with a beginning, middle, and end. Start by establishing a strong hook or introduction that grabs attention and sets the stage for what’s to come. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, or a captivating visual.

As you progress through the storyboard, focus on developing a storyline that not only entertains but also elicits an emotional response from your audience. This could involve creating relatable characters, building tension or suspense, or incorporating elements of humor or drama.

3. Break it down:

Breaking down your video into smaller, digestible parts is essential for effective storytelling and visual communication. Think of your video as a puzzle, with each scene and sequence representing a piece that contributes to the overall picture.

Start by outlining the key beats or moments you want to capture in your video. These could include establishing shots, character introductions, action sequences, or emotional climaxes. Then, break each beat down further into individual shots or frames that convey specific actions, emotions, or messages.

4. Determine the transitions

Imagine your video as a seamless journey. Each shot should flow effortlessly into the next, maintaining that viewer engagement. Transitions are the glue that holds your visual masterpiece together.

Pay attention to the pacing and rhythm of your storyboard, ensuring that each scene flows seamlessly into the next. Consider factors such as shot composition, camera angles, and transitions to create a cohesive and engaging visual narrative.

Remember, the devil is in the details. By meticulously planning each scene, sequence, and transition in your storyboard, you can lay the groundwork for a visually compelling and emotionally resonant video that captures the hearts and minds of your audience.

5. Show your brand some love

Don’t forget to include your brand image in it. Add your logo, brand colours, and consistent design elements. This not only helps with brand recognition but also reinforces your message.

Your brand is like the personality of your video, and showcasing it effectively can significantly enhance brand recognition. Here’s a breakdown of why and how you should infuse your brand into your storyboard:

• Logo Placement: Integrate your logo seamlessly into key scenes without overshadowing the content.
• Brand Colours: as we always tell, consistency is key. Use your brand’s color palette throughout the storyboard. This consistency not only aligns with your overall brand aesthetics but also contributes to visual harmony.
• Design Elements: Consider incorporating consistent design elements whether it’s a specific graphic style, typography, or recurring visual motifs, these elements add a layer of uniqueness to your video. They serve as additional touchpoints for your audience to identify and connect with your brand.
• Brand Storytelling: Your brand is more than just a logo; it’s a narrative. Use the storyboard as an opportunity to tell a visual story that aligns with your brand’s values and messaging. Infuse elements that resonate with your brand narrative, creating a more profound and memorable impact on your audience.

6. Numbers speak louder

Data is your friend! It can elevate your video from merely engaging to compelling and persuasive. Integrating relevant stats and visuals into your storyboard not only adds credibility but also strengthens your message. Here’s a closer look at why numbers speak louder in the context of video storyboarding:

• Credibility Boost: Numbers and statistics provide a factual foundation for your narrative.
• Visual Impact: Humans are visual beings, and data visualisation is a potent storytelling tool. Instead of bombarding your audience with raw numbers, transform data into visually appealing charts, graphs, or infographics within your storyboard.
• Persuasive Messaging: Data serves as a persuasive element in your storytelling arsenal. It can be used to highlight the benefits of your product or service, support your key arguments, or emphasise the impact of your message.
• Tailored to Your Audience: choose statistics that resonate with their interests and concerns. By aligning your data with the preferences of your audience, you not only capture their attention but also create a more personalised and impactful viewing experience.

7. Sound of success

Now let’s talk about audio. The next step in creating a video storyboard is to choose background music and sound effects that match the vibe of your video. Sound is like a secret ingredient that heightens emotions and keeps the audience hooked.

8. Think Multi-Platform

Remember, not all screens are created equal. Keep in mind where your video will be shared. Your storyboard should be adaptable to different platforms and screen sizes.

Creating a storyboard with multi-platform adaptability is a strategic approach that ensures your video resonates effectively across diverse channels and devices.

In a nutshell, storyboarding isn’t just about sketching; it’s about giving life to your ideas, building anticipation, and crafting a video that resonates. Whether you’re scribbling on paper or going digital, the heart of storyboarding lies in shaping your vision and guiding your audience on a captivating journey. So, go ahead, dive into the world of storyboarding, and watch your video production skills soar!

Contact Impress Video now

If you would like to do a Corporate Video with video production and marketing professionals, or any other type of video, we can help you at Impress Video. We make video production for businesses, the ones that impress. Don’t hesitate to contact us here!